Supporters of Wheels A Churnin’ are rallying to back the popular mud-race event in the face of suggestions that Augusta Township might shut it down.

An online petition started by Wheels organizers has garnered more than 650 signatures from people who want the event to continue. Scores of others have signed a paper version of the petition, according to Onne Van Hoek, owner of Augusta Motorsports.

The petition comes in response to last week’s recommendation by the Augusta police services board that township council rescind its permit for the next Wheels event in September because of “public safety concerns.”

The board’s recommendation followed the Grenville OPP detachment’s complaints of incidents of impaired driving, a serious assault and illegal drug use at the two Wheels events held this summer.

Because of the police concerns, the board recommended that the season’s final Wheels A Churnin’ event on September 21 and 22 be cancelled.

The OPP also warned the board that police costs to the township would increase because of the time that officers were spending to police the event.

Council didn’t vote on the board’s recommendation last week, deferring it to its meeting this Monday to give the township time to consult its lawyers and talk with Van Hoek.

The meeting between Van Hoek and township officials has been set for Friday.

Supporters’ comments on the petition carry common themes. It is fun, safe, brings much-needed business to Augusta and the police complaints of problems are either exaggerated or the incidents non-existent, supporters say in their posts.

“My husband and I are business owners in the community,” writes Tracy Morin. “We find this event to be a very positive feature to the community and for our business. I have attended several events and find the security and first aid on site is well prepared. I have never felt unsafe or in any danger at this event and have always enjoyed myself.”

Melanie B. Thomas of Limoges writes: “Love attending Augusta weekends, best place for those who love mudding and to get away to relieve some stress.”

In an interview, Van Hoek said he took over security at Wheels A Churnin’ three years ago and the problems have dramatically dropped since them.

Stu Talsma, an executive member of the Ontario Off Road Racing Association, who has been racing at Wheels events for 16 years, backed Van Hoek’s claims of improved security and safety.

“This new attack comes as a surprise to me because the events have been having less and less problems or incidents, which has nothing to do with the police/MTO presence and everything to do with Onne planning his park and security in a way that has cut down on overcrowding, driving around recklessly and generally policing it himself,” Talsma writes on the petition page. “It’s been tamer than ever.”

At the police board meeting, the OPP said policing soon could cost the township more, adding its officers spent hundreds of extra regular and overtime hours policing the two Wheels events this summer.

Van Hoek said the extra policing is not necessary and that the officers do little more than sit outside Augusta Motorsport’s gates.

Van Hoek and supporters plan to attend Monday’s council meeting for the discussion of the Wheels permit.